Commemorative Medals

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Questions (214)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

214. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person who served in the Army from 1975 to1997 as a soldier (details supplied) will not receive their 1916 Commemoration medal given that they served for 22 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13623/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Defence

At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel and reaffirm the deep respect the Government has for all our veterans.

The Programme for a Partnership Government of 2016 included the commitment to award a commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service during the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Oglaigh na hEireann, who served during the centenary year of 2016 and in recognition of their contribution to the centenary commemorative events that year.

The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is not awarded to former members of the Defence Forces. Discussions took place in 2016 between the Department and the recognised Veterans’ Associations, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.

Following these discussions, it was agreed to present a framed medal with an accompanying citation to each of the Veterans Associations in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. In addition, plaques were given to each of ONE's Branches and each of IUNVA's Posts around the country.

A recent review of this issue by the Department, including the obtaining of advice from the Defence Forces, has determined that there should be no change in this position.